WASHINGTON – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas over the phone on the necessity of enhancing bilateral ties. Blinken stated in a tweet early Tuesday morning: "President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority had a good conversation with me. We talked about the importance of enhancing the US-Palestinian partnership, as well as the necessity for Palestinian Authority reform and equitable freedom, security, and prosperity for Palestinians and Israelis alike." According to the statement, Blinken and Abbas discussed the Palestinian Authority's issues and the need for change on Monday. "Secretary Blinken emphasised the US administration's commitment to a two-state solution, saying that Israelis and Palestinians alike deserve to live safely and securely, with equal measures of security, freedom, and prosperity," the Department noted. According to Palestinian state media, Abbas told Blinken that the "present situation is not sustainable" and that "the Israeli occupation of the land of the State of Palestine must stop." According to the report, Abbas asked Blinken to exert pressure on Israel to stop settlement activity, the deportation of Palestinians from Jerusalem's neighbourhoods, the abuse of detainees, and the deduction of tax income dues, all of which have harmed the Palestinian economy. According to a state media report, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas emphasised the importance of ending Israel's unilateral activities that undermine the two-state solution and implementing the agreements reached between the two parties. In Jordan Valley, Israel arrests nine Palestinian suspects North Korea drops to 174th place On the international corruption index Japan Cabinet approves bid for a controversial mine for UNESCO’s World Heritage